Tis' the season (part2)

We also had the kids playgroup over to decorate cookies. More cookies were eaten than decorated:)

The following day Sean and I took a trip to Chicago...our last getaway before our 3rd miracle arrives. It was Sean's first time there and he loved it. (For those who know Sean...he hates big cities.) We did a ton of shopping, walking and eating. The last night there we went to the Bulls v. Knicks NBA game. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the simple things in life...eating an entire meal w/out kids yelling:) Our mothers were nice enough to take the kids for us...thank you moms.

Hailey ended her first semester of school with a christmas program celebrating Jesus' birthday. She a little part and suprisingly enough she said it...way to go Hailey. The are so grown up from last year. It has been a true blessing all that Hailey has learned at school. She likes the idea of Santa but knows the true meaning of Christmas.

Tis' the season...

December has been a busy but funfilled month. It began with a trip to Kearney to see Disney on Ice. The kids loved seeing all of their favorite characters. The show was 2 hours long and the kids sat thru the entire thing:) We hope to take them back again next year. I think Sean even enjoyed it just a little!!

Our Meeting with Santa...did he listen?

My mom and I took the kids to see Santa in Lincoln the day after Thanksgiving. Hailey has been scared ever since she was 6mos old...4 years later she was able to sit on his lap and not be scared. I bet she was glad now, looking back...Santa brought her a Barbie jeep that she's been asking for:)

Austin on the other hand was unsure of who this big guy was...he sat next to him but not on his lap. Oh well maybe next year.

25 Weeks

Today I had yet another doctor visit...all went well except for one thing, the scale!! I am measuring right on, so 15 more weeks and we will meet this little miracle. I am so thankful for the energy that I do have to get through each day! In my Bible study this week, we are reading 1 Kings 19 and 20 and in chapter 19:4 Elijah is speaking to the Lord and say's, "I have had enough Lord". Some days I feel this and wonder how I will make it thru another day...but God always shows Himself as he gives me strength to take on another day. Thank you Lord for all the extra strength for each new day.

Shuffle Step

Last night we got to watch what Hailey has been learning at dance this year. I was so impressed at what this little girls knew, they have come along way since last year. They even did an entire dance with no help. We are looking forward to the recital in May. You go girls.

Go Big Red

This year Hailey dressed up as a Husker cheerleader and Austin was a football player. Maybe by the time Austin is old enough to play, the Huskers will have a better team. Austin and I went downtown trick or treating in the beautiful 70 degree weather...couldn't have asked for a better day. This was the first year that Austin actually got it, I think. After he received his first piece of candy, he thought he had to give it to the next person...got to love his generosity!!! The kids enjoyed handing out candy to all the kids and haven't asked for any candy for themseleves...good thing b/c I threw it all out. Hope everyone had a fun and safe night.

Halloween and more...

The kids and I started the week out by carving a pumpkin...first time for me and boy was my arm sore!! Hailey loved the seeds and guts of the pumpkin, and Austin wasn't sure about it...all he kept saying was icky, icky. It was fun none the less. On Thursday, Hailey went to a Haunted House camp where she learned how to make haunted houses out of all the goods. I think it was half eaten by the time we arrived home.
She enjoyed the morning with her good friends.

Praise the Lord...for He is good.

I am happy to report that we had a good report from the doctor. Our ultrasound looked great and Dr. Pankratz was able to see all that he needed to. PTL! He also was able to tell us that there was NOTHING between HER legs...it's a GIRL!!! Hailey is so excited to have a little sister and to share all her toys, or so she says. We are just so thrilled to know that God has taken care of this little one. Good is good.

"And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them"
Mk 10:16

Thanks to everyone for all your prayers over the past week!

20 Weeks and counting...

Well we have reached the half way point for the arrival of our third blessing! I was looking forward to posting that the ultrasound went great and that we were expecting a _______! BUT God had other plans for this past Tuesday. His plans and not mine!!! I guess He is still teaching me b/c I haven't fully grasped the concept!?!? So, no new news to report yet...stay tuned for next week! We will just continue to pray that God will hear our prayers and answer them in His timing.

Psalms 145:19 "He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."

**(the first picture is at 15 weeks and the second is at 20 1/2 weeks)

Party at the YMCA

We celebrated with Austin's little friends at the YMCA just as we did for Hailey's birthday. The YMCA has become like our second home...Austin loves playing there! We once again had a pizza party and very "colorful" football cupcakes.

Austin is 2!!!

This past weekend we celebrated Austin's 2ND birthday. We had all the family come over for his favorite...pizza! We went back and forth as to what the theme should be Elmo, Thomas the train or Balls and the winner was balls!! The big gifts this year were Thomas the Trains!! It was a blast to see the excitement on his face, knowing it was his day. He was nice enough to let Hailey open but after that the gifts were "mine"!
At his 2 year check up the doctor was a little concerned about his vocabulary and suggested we see a speech therapist. I was hesitant and had told them to give us little time. Well over the weekend I think he added about 20 words to his vocab and is adding more everyday...who says something is wrong just b/c they choose not to talk!! Hmm, I think he may be just like his father...a thinker!

Our trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Sunday, Sean was home so we took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch. Hailey has been begging to go and was so glad that daddy could join us. It was a warm day, but enjoyable to say the least. The kids each got to pick out their own pumpkins...Hailey's was small and Austin wanted a the big one! Hailey said her favorite part was the "gunny sack" slide...I think Austin enjoyed it just as much.

Husker Game

Sean and I got to go to the Husker game this weekend...even though they lost it was still such a fun time. Sean and I always try to make one game a year...it brings back the memories of the first days and weeks we took getting to know eachother. We happend to sit in the same "block" of tickets a mutual friend got together, and the rest is history!! Go Big Red.

Autumn Days...or is it still Summer?!?

As most of you know, we have been spoiled by such beautiful weather. I had decided to have the kids pictures taken as I do every Fall before it was too cold out. Little did we know that it would be sunny and 80 the day I clothed my children in long-sleeves and pants!! They were great troopers and didn't complain a bit...I did!! I guess I can b/c I am pregnant, right? Anyways, a friend from Lincoln came to town and took pictures and I am so happy at the way they turned out. Thanks Steph!! Here are some of my favs.

Many Choices...too many choices??

So most of you know that I have PICKY eaters. Something I don't wish upon anyone. I think my mom doomed me when she said, "I hope your kids treat you the way you treat me." Let me tell you, they do. I may have it worse tho...she said I was picky but not nearly as picky as Hailey and Austin. So, I have started a new meal plan with help from a blog I have been reading. I will give my child their plate with at least 5 choices, all that I seem are healthy for them and then they can choose to eat one are all of them. Tonight was the trial run and I feel they did pretty good. These are before and after photos of their plates!! You may laugh and say much isn't gone BUT for these Vontz kids this is a great start! If anyone had anyother ideas of how to feed PICKY eaters please let me know. Dinner time is the most trying time in my household and the time when I need the most patience, so if you think of it pray for me! I know this is one of God's ways of teaching me. bon appetit.

What about me...

Austin wanted to pretend to earn a cubbies vest too...he did say the verse but still has a couple years. He just wants to say hi. He and mommy spent time togther tonight playing a listening to the baby's heart beat. He loves to do that and was so excited...he's all about the baby right now!!! We'll see how he'll feel in 5 months.